Access-Vermont.com

Your Guide To Visiting, Living, Doing Business in the

Green Mountain State

We want you to feel at home when you visit Vermont. We want your experience to be one you'll cherish for years to come. This guide is provided to make your exploration as simple and enjoyable as possible. Vermont's marketing, development and planning services are provided through twelve regional districts - each with it's own flavor, history, attractions, business personality, and perspectives on life and living in Vermont.

Click on any region to begin exploring Vermont or read the descriptions below to find out more about them.

 Introduction to Vermont's Regions

Addison County Region - Addison County is an area of great scenic beauty. From the quiet beauty of the Green Mountains to the shores of Lake Champlain. Our towns and villages (the largest is Middlebury) with their greens and parks, restaurants, and friendly shops are attractive to visitors. History is held dear and every community offers glimpses of the past. A host of cultural opportunities are found throughout the area from concerts, strawberry festivals, to art shows. Nearby mountains and lakes invite you to pack a picnic basket to enjoy swimming beaches, nature trails, boating, campsites, fishing, and superb scenery. Scenic drives and bike rides on our back roads invite you to explore.

Bennington County Region - Embraced by mountains on the east and the west, the Shires of Bennington County anchor the southwestern corner of Vermont. Centuries-old entrepreneurial spirit propels a growing electronic economy, hosting cutting edge technology businesses alongside traditional fine craftsmanship. Postcard scenery and world class educational and cultural institutions stand side by side. The historic towns of Bennington and Manchester offer rich history, great shopping, and hospitable leaping off points for winter and summer outdoor sports. All of this is easily accessible, just an hour east of Albany, N.Y. - yet a world away.

Central Vermont - Montpelier, Barre, Sugarbush - The region surrounding the State Capitol in Montpelier. It features attractions as diverse as the world's largest granite quarry and the world's most famous ice cream - Ben & Jerry's. Noted for biking, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling and other outdoor recreation. The region boasts historic downtown districts and a vital performing arts community. Key municipalities include Barre, Northfield, and Waterbury. Resorts include the Sugarbush and Mad River Glen ski areas. Central Vermont is the seat of state government and home to a wide variety of specialty food producers. Cabot cheeses and Green Mountain Coffee are known nationally. Other products include apple cider, salad dressings, salsa and sauces, cereals and snack bars as well as jams, jellies, and maple syrup.

Chittenden County Region - Burlington - Discover the quintessential Vermont charm and a vitality that is unparalleled! The Lake Champlain Region offers its guests a combination of diverse cultural activities, back country roads, mountain views, world-class food, fantastic nightlife, superior shopping and a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

Northwest (Franklin-Grand Isle) Region - St. Albans, Lake Champlain Islands. Where pastoral landscape meets the lakeshore and offers spectacular scenery. The islands offer lake recreation such as fishing, boating, beaches, swimming or cycling down country lanes. Franklin County, where large "Farms" situated rolling hills offers a vast vista of rural Vermont. At the heart of Franklin County, is St. Albans, a vibrant community which retains unspoiled town charm and boasts fine dining and unique shopping experiences. Area attractions and events include: Herrmann's Royal Lipizzan Stallions, Mississquoi Valley Rail Trail, St. Anne's Shrine, Lake Champlain Ferries, Vermont Maple Festival, Island Arts, Northumbrian Pipers Convention and more.

Lamoille County Region - Stowe & Smuggler's Notch resorts, Morrisville - Lamoille County encompasses 10 towns and six villages in the north-central portion of Vermont. The Lamoille Region has an established reputation as one of Vermont's premier recreation centers. It is within easy commuting distance from the state's largest population and employment centers, and according to the 1990 Census, is the fastest growing county in Vermont. Known for Stowe and Smuggler's Notch ski resorts which offer year-round entertainment and recreation.

Northeast Kingdom - St. Johnsbury, Lyndonville, Burke, Jay Peak - Looking for spectacular views? You've found them. Our mountains and valleys are a special place... the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. Festivals will fill your sense in almost every county village offering homemade culinary concoctions, entertainment, crafts, historical walks and picture taking tours. You can try skiiing, snowmobiling, cycling and hiking, or grab a map, hop in a car and create your own adventure back-roading! There's always something for everyone when you visit the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. A Kingdom for All Seasons!

Rutland County Region - Killington -Centered in the heart of the Green Mountain State, Rutland County provides you with the amenities of the second largest city in the state and the privacy of our peaceful rural towns. Rutland has a thriving historic downtown, the second largest mall in Vermont, the Diamond Run Mall, a regional library, numerous clubs, churches, a regional medical center, fine schools including colleges and a technical education center. Within minutes of the City you can enjoy many year round activities. The quiet of the woods is perfect for hiking, horseback riding and mountainbike riding. Area resorts offer golf and tennis. On one of our many beautiful lakes in the Lakes Region enjoy sailing, kayaking, swimming, waterskiing and fishing. Enjoy world class downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing at the best in the east at Killington, Pico and Okemo ski resorts. When visiting there are many attractions to enjoy including the New England Maple Museum, Norman Rockwell Museum, Wilson Castle, Vermont Marble Exhibit, Chaffee Center for the Visual Arts, Pico Alpine Slide, Killington Chairlift, Concerts in the Park, Vermont Chamber Ballet, the Rutland Historical Society and more.

Southern Windsor Region - Southern Windsor County is in the heart of an area rich in early American history, has endless opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. The region is known largely for its two major ski resorts - Okemo in Ludlow, and Ascutney in Brownsville. There are thousands of acres of state forest; several wildlife management areas; dozens of lakes, ponds, and reservoirs; three major river systems with countless tributary streams; hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobile trails; and many campgrounds, golf courses, and other facilities. Other attractions in the region include museums, roadside farmstands, maple sugaring operations, berry farms, shopping in beautiful villages like Windsor, Springfield, Ludlow and Chester, and of course spectacular fall foliage.

Two Rivers - Ottauquechee Region - A 30-town rural region in east central Vermont with primary access via Interstate-89 and Interstate-91. Major resort areas include Woodstock and Fairlee as well as the nearby Killington and Quechee areas. The region is characterized by rugged, forested mountains, open farmlands, quiet historic villages and rural countryside. Historic sites include the Calvin Coolidge Homestead in Plymouth the Marsh-Billings Historic Park in Woodstock. Numerous lodging establishments are available in all areas of the region. This is a four season tourist area offering entertainment and relaxation to all interests and ages.

Windham Region - Brattleboro -Vermont's Windham Region includes 27 Towns in the southeast portion of the state. The region has a diverse and healthy economy, and many historic New England villages separated by rural countryside. Forestry and agriculture remain important to the region's economy and rural landscape. Brattleboro, the regional center of commerce, is culturally diverse and anchored by a very active and walkable downtown.

Vermont Agency of Commerce & Community Development - This agency houses travel & tourism, marketing, state planning and economic development, housing and historic preservation. It provides industrial incentives, loan and grant programs, as well as travel information. Most of its programs are administered through the regional districts.

Economic Advancement supported by development corporations, regional planning commissions and chambers of commerce has resulted in a new package of incentives for businesses expanding in Vermont. These incentives make an even more attractive site for business.